21 May 2014

An official from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in Hukuntsi, Rock Mphela has encouraged performing folk artists in Hukuntsi, Ghanzi and Tsabong regions to improve their talents and commercialise folk music.

In an interview during the south west region presidential art traditional instruments competition in Hukuntsi,  Mphela said it was disturbing that folk music was diminishing in many radio airwaves across the country.

Mphela attributed the problem primarily to the fact that many folk artistes did not find the need to sign record deals and release albums.

He said folk artists had in the past been only associated with performing in traditional drinking spots, adding that such a move should come to an end as it undermined the artistes characters and the music genre in general.

Some of the artistes, he said continued to live in dreadful conditions despite possessing some rare talent that could be used as a getaway ticket to success.He also encouraged artistes to take cognizance of their talent and use it for their self- empowerment and advancement.

Mphela noted that artistes should commit to themselves and the audience they desired to entertain, as that would help them build strength to organise, maintain and develop their found talents.

In today’s entertainment industry, he said artistry is most important to the performer as it helps in the identification of style, persona and music of the artist therefore creating a clear and unique style for a public appearance.

He said the professional imagery would always attract the greatest amount of attention from industry professionals.

He indicated that folk music has been the toast of the country’s music industry and off late the future seems bleak for this genre as the young generation seems to be more into uptempo urban music rhythms. 


He therefore pleaded with the young generation to develop an interest in folk music and ensure that it lives on for generation to come. Ends